LS Engine Accessory Drive Options

01] March Performance

The Style Track kit is machined from 6061-T6 aluminum and features two idler pulleys to prevent belt slip. March uses stock-style tensioners so replacement parts are easy to find anywhere. These kits feature all-new engine accessories and are offered in a variety of configurations: alternator only; alternator on left or right side; and with or without power steering. Every variation is offered as either a “standard kit” (for use with electronic throttle bodies) or a “narrow kit” (for use with mechanical throttle bodies). Prices start around $2,000. March offers dimensions for all of its kits on the website.

2/8

02] March Performance

Designed with accessory performance in mind, the Pro Track kit uses an oversized crank pulley to speed up the water pump, the alternator, and the A/C compressor to improve their performance at idle. A separate bracket is included to mount a remote power-steering fluid reservoir. Prices for the Pro Track kit start at $1,069.97, and they’re available in four accessory configurations with various finishes.

3/8

03] Eddie Motorsports

Eddie Motorsports offers its kits in brushed, polished, matte, or gloss-black, as well as clear, blue, or red-anodized finish. Available with or without power steering, the kits start at $2,395 ($100 upcharge for polishing). The kits include an Edelbrock water pump, a Sanden A/C compressor, a Maval Manufacturing power-steering pump, and a Powermaster Performance 140-amp alternator.

4/8

04] Concept One

Like March Performance, Concept One’s forte is designing front-pulley systems. This is the Victory kit, which comes in a multitude of versions. Visit the site to build your own accessory setup with an easy-to-use price breakdown. Victory kits fit all Gen III and IV LS engines and most throttle bodies. The kits include all of the necessary chrome hardware. Installation instructions and product measurements are listed online.

5/8

05] Concept One

This is for the guy who has everything, like the power of a Magnuson supercharger and ice-cold A/C. Pictured is C1’s black-anodized finish, which is available on most other kits. Visit the website to build your own kit with upgrades like a polished finish, a stronger alternator, and different mounting arrangements. C1 also offers kits for Edelbrock superchargers.

6/8

06] Billet Specialties

Another kit that’s perfect for a retrofitted hot rod, Billet Specialties’ Tru Track is available for many different V8s, including Chryslers. The Tru Track Top-Mount kit (pictured) is designed to clear crossmembers and fit between narrow framerails. This kit includes an ATI Racing crank damper, an Edelbrock water pump, a Powermaster Performance alternator, a Sanden A/C compressor, and Billet Specialties’ own aluminum belt tensioner.

7/8

07] Street & Performance

Street & Performance specializes in retrofitting late-model engines into hot rods with hands-on books and blogs about its own projects. This is the Tight Tuck kit that includes a 140-amp alternator, a Sanden A/C compressor, and Goodyear Gatorback belts. This system uses two belts in order to push the A/C compressor as far back and low as possible to make room for tight engine compartments. The kits start at $1,494.95.

8/8

Serpentine Belts 101

Auto manufactures switched to serpentine belts when the loads of high-amp alternators, power-steering pumps, and A/C compressors proved too much for single (or even dual) V-belts. A serpentine belt’s multiple ribs (6-, 8-, and even 10-rib belts and pulleys are available) provide enough power transmission to drive nearly any accessory—even a supercharger. Keep in mind traditional belt fundamentals still apply, and the amount of the belt wrapped around each accessory pulley—particularly the crank—is still important.